Iowa's citizens, local governments, business and industry have proactively worked together to protect Iowa's environment by reducing waste, recycling, manufacturing recycled goods and buying recycled-content products. This cooperative effort has built an impressive recycling industry that creates and retains higher wage jobs and businesses. Iowa's recycling industry generates $2.4 billion in annual industrial output and supports more than 11,400 jobs.

Recycling Facts

1.2 million tons of materials are recycled in Iowa each year

600 plus Iowa communities have curbside recycling

As of fiscal year 2002, 35 percent of all waste generated in Iowa was diverted from landfills

Recycling results in a net fiscal gain for Iowa's local and state government